Sunglasses and pinholes: how to view Monday’s solar eclipse

NASA-approved sunglasses are one option for people hoping to enjoy the solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017. (Celine Grimard/650 CKOM)

While it won’t be safe to look directly at next week’s solar eclipse, there are several options available for Saskatoon residents.

The moon will pass between Earth and the sun throughout Monday morning and early afternoon. The process will start around 10 a.m. in Saskatchewan, with around 75 per cent of the sun covered by 11:45 a.m.

Normal sunlight will return by 1 p.m.

Many people have been purchasing proper eye protection in the form of NASA-approved sunglasses, but last-minute shoppers may have to search a little more.

London Drugs and Best Buy are sold out already, while Toys R Us and Mastermind Toys have had to order more to keep up with demand.

The idea involves using a cardboard box and piercing a hole through one side. The viewer faces directly away from the sun, and watches the light projected through the pinhole on the opposite side of the box.

Ottawa-based backyard astronomer Gary Boyle told 650 CKOM’s John Gormley anything can be used to make a pinhole projector.

“Spaghetti colanders, even Ritz crackers, anything with a hole in it,” Boyle said.